Abstract
The process of removal of gummy proteinous material sericin from silk is commonly called as degumming loss or boil-off loss ratio. In the present study, the boil-off loss ratio in the cocoon shells of twelve multivoltine${\times}$bivoltine hybrids and their parents were analysed. Inheritance pattern of boil-off loss ratio was analysed in crosses involving high and low boil-off loss parents, F$_1$s, F$_2$s and back-crosses by parent off spring regression analysis. Heterosis and heterobeltiosis was also analysed for this character, Highly significant (P＞0.01) variations were observed in eight out of ten multivoltine and two out of five bivoltine parents indicating the presence of genetic variation in the expression of boil-off loss ratio. Among F$_1$ hybrids, ten hybrids expressed significant (P＞0.01) variations when compared with control hybrid PM${\times}$NB$_4$D$_2$. Significant negative heterosis was expressed in three multi ${\times}$ bi hybrids viz., BL67${\times}$CSR$_{101}$, 96A${\times}$CSR$_{19}$ and 96C${\times}$CSR$_{19}$, which is desirable for this character, whereas expression of heterobeltiosis was significant only with one hybrid, 96C${\times}$CSR$_{18}$ in desired direction. Studies on inheritance pattern showed that the character is heritable and contribution percentage of female and male in the ratio of 50.9: 49.1 and it appears that both the parents are influencing in the expression of boil-on loss ratio in silkworm. Based on the overall performance and evaluation by multiple trait evaluation index and also considering the expression of the boil-off loss ratio three hybrids vix., BL67 ${\times}$ CSR$_{101}$, 96A${\times}$CSR$_{19}$ and 96C${\times}$CSR$_{18}$ were found superior and recommended for commercial exploitation.n.ion.n.